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The recent rains, storms, and snowfall across Cyprus have brought a welcome relief after years of drought and dry reservoirs. As we step into the new year, there’s cautious optimism that the country can avoid the looming threat of desertification this summer.
The reason for this optimism? The numbers speak for themselves. Inflows into the dams during November and December have been significantly higher than the past two years, both marked by drought. This past December alone saw a productive stretch of rain, with nearly 2.6 million cubic meters of water flowing into dams in just one week.
A Promising Start, but January is Key
While the rising dam levels are encouraging, much hinges on January. Historically, January has delivered the largest water inflows to dams, contributing significantly to the country’s water reserves. Last year, however, was an exception, with a meager 7.3 million cubic meters.
This year, the hope is to surpass that low mark. Snow currently blankets Troodos, with 22 cm recorded at its highest points. This snowpack, along with streams and rivers beginning to flow, holds promise for replenishing both crops and reservoirs.
But experts caution that Cyprus needs more consistent rainfall and new weather systems to ensure a robust recovery.
Current Dam Levels
The latest measurements show some improvement in the water stored in Cyprus’s 18 largest dams, now at 26.1% of their total capacity. While this is a step forward, it’s still far from sufficient to meet the growing demands of summer irrigation and water supply.
Here’s how some of the major dams currently stand:
- Kouris: 22.2% full
- Asprokremmos: 29.3% full
- Evretou: 23.6% full
- Kannawi: 30.1% full
- Kalavasos: 24.6% full
These numbers highlight the progress but also underscore the need for more rain to make a significant impact.
Challenges Ahead
The rising water levels come as a reprieve, but the country isn’t out of the woods yet. Cyprus still faces the risk of relying heavily on costly desalination plants to meet water demands during the dry summer months. With mobile desalination units not expected until later in 2025, the next few months are crucial for replenishing natural water reserves.
A New Year’s Wish for Rain
The first days of 2025 have been sunny, but the Weather Department predicts rain will return by Sunday. This brings hope for more barometric lows and the rainfall Cyprus so desperately needs.
For now, the sight of water flowing into dams and snow capping Troodos offers a glimmer of hope. As we await more rain, the focus remains on preserving every precious drop and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
Source: 24News
